This acknowledgment came from Dr. Raji Tajudeen, the Acting Deputy Director-General and Head of the Division for Public Health Institutes and Research at Africa CDC, during his visit to Rwanda for the Africa Health International Conference Agenda (AHAIC) 2025.
'Rwanda is a great example. They have made significant progress in advancing primary healthcare. As we gather here today, let's seize this opportunity to understand how Rwanda achieved this success,' he remarked.
He pointed to the country's effective response to the Marburg virus outbreak and its ability to reduce related fatalities as clear evidence of the country's robust healthcare system.
Tajudeen emphasized the importance of improving access to affordable and quality healthcare services, stressing that building a strong primary healthcare system is the key to achieving this goal.
He explained that strengthening primary healthcare involves focusing on the needs of the population and empowering communities to take responsibility for their health.
Additionally, he highlighted how primary healthcare could drive technological innovation, particularly through increased access to the internet and smartphone usage, which already reaches 80% across Africa. Tajudeen also addressed the declining levels of international aid to African countries, urging governments to seek sustainable ways to close funding gaps.
He commended President Paul Kagame for demonstrating that investing in healthcare in Africa is not only possible but essential. 'President Kagame has shown that willingness alone is not enough. What matters is turning commitment into action,' he added.
'We must be intentional about learning opportunities. More importantly, we must find ways to deliver affordable and quality healthcare services. How do we achieve that? How do we ensure healthcare is both affordable and effective? The only way is to build a strong primary healthcare system that delivers quality services,' he said.
He further emphasized the need for African countries to develop their pharmaceutical industries and locally produce medical equipment. Acknowledging the growing commitment of African leaders to this cause, he encouraged stakeholders to seize the opportunity to invest in healthcare, assuring them that Africa CDC would continue to provide support.
When asked about Rwanda's strategy for enhancing primary healthcare, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda's Minister of Health, outlined six key pillars driving the country's success.
First, Rwanda is increasing its healthcare workforce, from community health workers to national referral hospitals. Through the "4x4 Reform" initiative, the country aims to quadruple its health workforce within the next four years.
Second, Rwanda is building capacity by ensuring healthcare workers receive comprehensive training to deliver high-quality care. The third pillar focuses on investing in healthcare infrastructure. Rwanda has constructed 1,280 health posts, representing 57% of the country's healthcare facilities and 510 health centers.
Over the next five years, the government plans to build 100 modern health posts and renovate 420 existing ones, ensuring that each administrative unit has at least one health facility.
The fourth pillar involves leveraging technology in healthcare. Rwanda is adopting advanced medical equipment and promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance service delivery and address workforce shortages.
Fifth, the country is committed to improving governance and ensuring efficient management of the healthcare system. Lastly, Rwanda is exploring new methods of health financing to reduce dependence on donor support and promote long-term sustainability.
Nsanzimana emphasized that if African nations prioritize technology and embrace innovations like AI, they can overcome many healthcare challenges and significantly improve service delivery across the continent.
Rwanda's approach demonstrates that with strategic planning and commitment, it is possible to build a resilient and effective primary healthcare system that serves the needs of the population.
IGIHE
